College of Charleston Diversity Program Fosters Student Success

Above: Tyrek Foster (foreground) speaks to Launchpad for Success students (l–r) Jocelyn Dominguez, Lesley Aguirre and Jimeace “Jimmie” Bonaparte. (Photos by Catie Cleveland)

Created in the summer of 2020 by the Office of Institutional Diversity (OID), Launchpad for Success (LP4S) is a testament to the power of collaboration, mentorship and dedicated support in fostering student success. LP4S aims to help incoming freshmen and rising sophomores – especially first-generation and AALANA (African American, Latinx, Asian and Native American) students – become “career ready” through mentoring, career development, financial literacy, experiential learning and personal/professional development opportunities.

Wish Shao, a computer science major, is in her second year of the program and is currently studying abroad at the American University in Cairo. Shao is an international student from China who chose the College because of the liberal arts education and programs like LP4S. 

“LP4S isn’t just a program; it’s a springboard for personal growth. It has been instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of college life,” she says. “From the very beginning, they provided invaluable resources like mental wellness sessions, academic advising and peer tutoring sessions. Additionally, the financial literacy sessions have been a game changer, equipping me with practical knowledge to manage my finances responsibly. All these sessions aided me in organizing my college life, optimizing the use of on-campus resources and prioritizing my well-being.”

Shao is a perfect example of the student engagement that is key to the program.

“Instead of waiting for the next opportunity to come their way, they spend time acquiring the skills and resources needed to be as successful as possible in their next endeavor,” says Tyrek Foster ’20, the OID program and outreach coordinator.

A strength of the program is its collaboration with various offices across campus, including the Center for International Education (CIE), the Speedy Consolidation and Transition program (SPECTRA) and the Office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services. CIE informs students about the many different opportunities to study abroad and works closely with students to secure additional funding as necessary.

“Our hope is that the LP4S program can continue to provide students with the resources and support they received during their time in SPECTRA to help with retention and promote student success within the underrepresented population,” says Foster.

Through LP4S, students like Shao not only discover career opportunities but also find a supportive network that propels them toward success.

As a peer coach for LP4S, senior Honors biology major Jimeace “Jimmie” Bonaparte has been part of that supportive network and seen the benefits of these connections.

“I’m introverted, and it was hard for me when I first came to CofC to find a community,” Bonaparte says. “It’s rewarding to be able to facilitate that for incoming students. I try to cater to each student individually to give them the help they need.”

As LP4S continues to evolve and expand its reach, the vision remains clear – to provide a springboard for students’ personal and professional growth and foster a sense of belonging and empowerment.